The award was accepted by Nelson Mandela Foundation Trustee Professor Njabulo Ndebele on behalf of Mr Mandela. During the acceptance speech, Prof Ndebele highlighted how the forum has created a valuable space for discussion and debate on the role of the media in Africa.

He said, “Madiba is truly honoured to receive this award from a distinguished gathering of journalists described as ‘the biggest gathering of editors on the continent’. He accepts this award with humility.”

He then thanked the forum, saying that the award was a tribute to Mr Mandela’s philosophy that the media are a key pillar in a successful democracy.